OWA at VEW+Silmo 2025 [Photos]
- OWA
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 19
Connection Series Luncheon
At the recent Vision Expo in Las Vegas, I had the privilege of attending the OWA’s
Connection Series—Spark Sessions: Women Who Light the Fire—an event that truly
lived up to its name.
The sessions featured three dynamic 10-minute Lightning Talks, each aligned with one of the OWA’s guiding pillars: Connect, Inspire, and Lead. Emceed by Erinn Morgan, founder of Insight Media Group and Envision Communication, the afternoon brought together women from across the optical industry for meaningful conversation and thought-provoking takeaways.
Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz opened with Inspire, reflecting on how authenticity and influence can drive real-world impact. She shared her personal journey of staying true to herself, including the honor of having a Barbie inspired by her as a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Melissa Barnett followed with Connect, emphasizing the power of cultivating genuine relationships to advance both professionally and personally. She offered practical strategies for living intentionally and creating meaningful connections in business and community life.
Closing the series, Sue Downes, CEO and Co-Founder of MyEyeDoctor, embodied Lead. Through a candid Q&A, she shared lessons learned throughout her career—demonstrating how clarity, courage, and vision has shaped her into a powerhouse leader in the optical industry.
The experience was made even richer by interactive brainstorming sessions after each talk, giving attendees space to share insights and spark new ideas both at their tables and on the screen. By the end, the room was alive with energy—a collective sense of empowerment and possibility.
This Connection Series was a powerful reminder that when women come together to share, listen, and lift each other up, the result is more than inspiration—it’s momentum. I left feeling reconnected, re-energized, and ready to light my own fire.
-Cathy Firman
Watch the full Connection Series—Spark Sessions: Women Who Light the Fire video here:
Her Story: A Celebration of Strength at Vision Expo West
The Optical Women’s Association launched a deeply moving initiative at Vision Expo West called Her Story. This event drew an incredible turnout from across the industry. The event spotlighted the purpose and heart behind Her Story—a new OWA movement created to support women in optical who are currently facing or have previously faced a cancer diagnosis. This powerful program fosters connection, empowerment, community, and a helping hand when it’s needed most.
Inspired by the legacy of Claudia Garza-Robinson—whose strength, positivity, and love for optical continue to shine through Her Story—the event honored women who embody resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. The highlight of the evening was recognizing Jenny Wiley, Director of Member Experience at PECAA, as this year’s Her Story Hero. Jenny, who is courageously battling cancer, continues to radiate light, kindness, and strength, selflessly uplifting others even amid her own challenges.
Attendees also enjoyed the Frames of Strength showcase, where frame companies presented designs symbolizing empowerment and resilience. Members voted on their favorite, with Match Eyewear earning top honors for its Vanni style—representing the beauty of rebuilding and finding grace through life’s challenges.
The Her Story event served as a touching reminder of the power of community, the strength of women supporting women, and the enduring light that shines even in life’s hardest moments.
-Katie Lauver
BID$ & BEV$
As always, OWA’s annual Bid$ & Bev$ networking event was filled with excitement, energy, and connection! It was such a blast catching up with fellow OWA members, especially finally meeting in person some of the amazing women we’ve only seen on Zoom this past year! With drinks in hand, we bid on an incredible lineup of raffle items, from luxury eyewear and travel experiences to exclusive industry swag and more.
Watching people win those prizes is half the fun—it’s like a kid walking into a candy shop, except this time it’s adults winning… and really, when do adults ever win anything anymore?
It was an evening full of fun, laughter, and connections! Until next time! -Sarah Lee
Silmo
At Silmo Paris, I had the honor of being a greeter simply marked with a beautiful silk pink flower pin for “Seeing Beyond: The Power of Women in Optical Innovation,” an inspiring global event that was eloquently facilitated by Nancy Gries, chair of the OWA International Expansion Committee (IEC).
Opening the event was Silmo President, Amélie Morel. The panel was a powerhouse of dynamic, trailblazing women whose insights shattered ceilings and sparked connection. Olga Prenat (Essilor-Luxottica), Kivilcim Erdogan (Bausch & Lomb), and Atissa Tadjadod (Silhouette). Hearing the international twist on the future was truly eye opening of what is to come. Not only technology and offerings but what women are doing to change the future of how all of it will be done.
The experience of networking, sharing stories, and weaving common threads with women across borders was nothing short of transformative.
Fun fact: In Paris OWA is playfully pronounced "Oh Ah”, catchy, chic, and totally unforgettable. Oui, oui! -Karen Michaelson
Thank you to all who attended OWA events at Vision Expo West and Silmo — we will see you in 2026!
Comments